“Linda kept that to herself.”
“My fault. Don’t take it out on her.”
“She’s my most trusted ally. There will be repercussions.”
“Like?”
“I’ll get creative.”
“Don’t.”
“And why should I listen to you?”
“She did this to help me.” Shanel frowns. “You would have wanted me to leave?”
I stop. Pull my hands behind my back. “You should have come to me.”
“I had my reasons.”
“And they are?”
She just watches me.
I growl in frustration. So many secrets glimmer in her eyes. “How long were you here?”
“Three days.”
I grit my teeth. “How did you avoid me?”
“It was easy. You were barely home.”
“I was looking for you.”
“I know.” She tosses her head high. “You overdo things.”
I bark out a laugh. “You’re feeling daring today.”
“I’m warning you.”
“Oh?”
“I can forgive almost anything.” She levels me a dark glare. “Your rudeness. Your stubbornness. That annoying habit of yours to do exactly what you want without consulting me. Everything.” She narrows her eyes like a dangerous siren. “But don’t get sick. I won’t forgive you if you get hurt because of me.”
Her words—
Her gaze—
Damn.
She’s driving me wild.
“Let me warn you.” I step toward the bed. “I won’t let you escape now that I have you in my clutches.”
She dips her chin down yes.
“I’m very petty,” I add.
“Naturally.”